Released: November 17, 2006

Directed by: George Miller

Starring: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Brittany Murphy, Hugo Weaving, Anthony LaPaglia, E.G. Daily, Magda Szubanski, Miriam Margolyes & Steve Irwin

This movie really benefitted from what its trailer sold it as: a fun, family animated-musical comedy. However, the Oscar-winning film makes quite an environmental statement as well.

Mumble (Elijah Wood), an emperor penguin, is born with a love of dance and without a heart song. The heart song is what the penguins use to find their mate and Mumble is ostracized for his lack thereof. When his tap dancing makes the elders feel threatened, Mumble is exiled. But in this, he finds there is much more out there threatening his friends and family.

The music and dancing in this film is incredible, and who won’t find a baby penguin tap dancing adorable. There is definitely a shift of tone halfway through, which I felt didn’t fit at first, but turned out incredible.

Final say: Your feet will be happy too. ★★★★☆